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Dear Friends,
My first two months as Chair of the Board of Supervisors have flown by! 2026 so far has seen long term projects reaching new milestones, programs and projects supporting vulnerable constituents receiving much-needed funding, and even some new faces joining us here at the County of Sonoma. I hope you'll continue reading for updates on everything that's happening in the First District and beyond!
In service,
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Larson Park is now open once again! Visitors have been returning since the mid-February reopening, and we’re excited to welcome families, neighbors, and visitors back to this cherished community space. I hope you'll visit, if you haven't already, to check out the new baseball and soccer fields, new pickleball courts, renovated tennis courts, new picnic spaces and a shaded group picnic area, a new playground with dedicated areas for toddlers and older children, a new ADA-accessible restroom and improved parking.
Additionally, we will be holding an official ribbon cutting ceremony on Sunday, April 19th. Please save the date and I hope you'll take the time to come out to help us celebrate together!
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Sonoma County Names David Guhin New County Executive
I am excited to share that David Guhin has been selected by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to be the next County Executive. David Guhin is a proven leader with deep roots in Sonoma County and a clear understanding of the complex challenges facing our communities. The Board is confident that his collaborative leadership style, integrity, and commitment to public service will serve our county well as we look to tackle future challenges.
David currently serves as the City Manager for the City of Sonoma, and previously had spent more than 18 years with the City of Santa Rosa. He was also Executive Director of Government Operations for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. The County Executive is responsible for implementing Board policy, overseeing County departments and operations, managing the County’s budget, and advancing strategic priorities that support residents across Sonoma County. David will be starting with the County in April, and I look forward to working with him to serve Sonoma County residents!
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Board of Supervisors awards $12.4 million in Measure O and state funds for mental health and homeless services
Sonoma County residents approved Measure O in 2020 to support people struggling with mental illness and homelessness in our County. On February 10th, the Board of Supervisors awarded $12.4 million in grants, including $10 million in funding from Measure O and $2.4 million from the state Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program, to support behavioral health care and services for people experiencing homelessness.
Measure O is making a real difference for our community by helping keep critical services in place for people who need them most. Even with this funding, the need is far greater than what we can meet, and the budget challenges ahead are significant. Without this voter-approved measure, Sonoma County would be in a far more precarious position.
Continue reading at the link below to learn more about the programs and services that received grant funding from Measure O.
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Congressman Mike Thompson Secures $2.3 million for Community Projects in Sonoma County, including Donald Gap
Sonoma County will be receiving a total of $2.3 million in community funding from Congressman Mike Thompson’s community project funding requests, including $1.2 million in funding for the Donald Gap Transportation Project in the Sonoma Valley. Securing federal funding for the Donald Gap Transportation Project wasn’t just about closing a gap on a map—it was about closing a gap in safety and access for our community. For far too long, bicyclists and pedestrians along State Route 12 have lacked continuous, safe infrastructure to reach schools, transit, workplaces, and essential services. With this earmark we are making a meaningful investment in public safety, improving everyday mobility, and ensuring all residents—regardless of how they travel—can move safely and confidently through this corridor. We are grateful to Congressman Thompson for listening to our constituents’ concerns and delivering federal funding to the district. Congressman Thompson’s ability to secure not one but three earmarks for underserved, underrepresented communities in Sonoma County is a true testament of public service and ensuring we are uplifting all of our constituents. Our community is lucky to have such a strong advocate in Washington, and we are thankful for his partnership.
In addition to the Donald Gap project, Congressman Thompson secured $850,000 for the Moorland Pedestrian and School Access Project and $250,000 for the Tierra de Rosas playground equipment Project, both in Santa Rosa. Continue reading at the link below to learn more!
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The Sonoma County Registrar of Voters Has Moved!
The Sonoma County Registrar of Voters Office has moved from the County’s main campus in Santa Rosa to a new location near the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport. As of February 2nd, 2026, you can visit their new office at 3880 Brickway Blvd., to receive help registering to vote, check or update your voter registration status, or file papers to run for elected office.
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County Expanding Access to Health and Homeless Services in Sonoma Valley
In February, the Board of Supervisors approved a three-year lease for office space at 19080 Lomita Ave., creating a new centralized location for several Department of Health Services (DHS) programs. The location will include DHS staff in behavioral health, youth and family services, crisis response and homelessness outreach all under one roof, expanding the role of the Lomitas campus as a hub for County services in Sonoma Valley.
The Lomitas campus currently includes the East Sonoma County Services Center (ESCSC), which already houses a First District office, as well as several County departments, including the Human Services Department (HSD) that use the services center to help residents access Medi-Cal, CalFresh, child support services and the WIC nutrition program for pregnant women, new mothers and their children. Health Services will move in to their office space this summer, and I am thrilled that Sonoma Valley residents will be able to access all these critical services at one location without having to drive to Santa Rosa. This new Sonoma Valley office will help constituents get the support and resources they need, close to home. With this lease, we’re advancing our County’s strategic goal of building neighborhood-based service centers that improve public access to government services, especially in communities like Sonoma Valley that have long needed more support.
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Cavedale Road Reopens
I am excited to share that Cavedale Road fully reopened in January, after months of construction to repair damage from not one but two major landslides that occurred during winter storms in early 2025. I want to commend Sonoma County Public Infrastructure for completing this project with a sense of urgency, restoring this critical connection for the residents, visitors, and first responders that use Cavedale Road.
Cavedale Road serves as a key route for nearby residents and emergency services, and repairing two landslide sites at once was no small feat. It required careful planning, coordination and a commitment to reopening the road as quickly as possible. This work restores full use of the road and significantly improves its resilience during severe weather.
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Sonoma Valley Community Advisory Commission (SVCAC)
The Sonoma Valley Community Advisory Commission (SVCAC) was established through a Joint Powers Agreement between Sonoma County and the City of Sonoma to serve as a vital public forum for discussing planning decisions that affect both the city and the unincorporated Sonoma Valley.
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The SVCAC meets the 4th Wednesdays at 6:30pm at City of Sonoma Council Chambers.
177 First St. West
Sonoma, CA 95476
Next meeting: 3/25/26
Email district1@sonomacounty.gov to receive SVCAC agendas.
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Springs Municipal Advisory Council (SMAC)
The Springs Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) serves the Springs area of Sonoma, including Boyes Hot Springs, El Verano, Fetters and Agua Caliente. It connects the community with the Board of Supervisors by offering recommendations on transportation, safety-net services, and local improvement projects like public art, clean-ups, and landscaping.
The SMAC meets every month on the Second Wednesday at 6:30pm the Sonoma Valley United School District Boardroom.
19080 Lomita Ave
Sonoma, CA 95476
Next meeting: 3/11/26
Email district1@sonomacounty.gov to receive SMAC agendas
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North Sonoma Valley Municipal Advisory Council (NSVMAC)
The North Sonoma Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) serves the Glen Ellen and Kenwood communities, connecting residents with the Board of Supervisors. The MAC provides recommendations on key issues such as transportation, traffic calming, bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and essential services like housing and homelessness.
The NSVMAC meets the First and Third month of each quarter at 5:30pm at the Glen Ellen Mayflower Hall.
5311 O'Donnell Ln
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
Next meeting: 3/17/26
Email district1@sonomacounty.gov to receive NSVMAC agendas
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Selected Current Vacancies: | |
Agricultural Preservation and Open Space Advisory Committee
The 19-member Ag + Open Space Advisory Committee, representing local government, youth, and key sectors, provides public input and recommendations to the Board and General Manager while serving as ambassadors for Ag + Open Space.
Behavioral Health Board (FKA Mental Health Board)
The Behavioral Health Board advises the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and the Behavioral Health Division Director, working to build a strong community network that unites voices, expands understanding of behavioral health, upholds service integrity, and encourages active participation in planning.
Commission on Human Rights
The purpose of the Commission on Human Rights is to promote better human relations among all people in Sonoma County through education, mediation, cooperation with County and community agencies, and by initiating action that fosters the recognition of and an appreciation for the cultural diversity of the community.
| To submit your application, or review a full list of First District vacancies, please visit the link below: | | | | |
Out & About in the Community | | | | |
Presenting La Luz Center with the 2025 Nonprofit of the Year award at the State of the Valley, January 29th. | | Ribbon cutting for the Grand Opening of the Mahonia Glen apartments in Santa Rosa on February 2nd. | | At the 2025 Service Recognition Dinner honoring county employees with 20, 25, 30, and 35 years of service to the County of Sonoma, on February 6th. | | Maricarmen Reyes receiving the 2025 Pete Peterka Emergency Management Award on January 14th. She will also be receiving a Gold Resolution on Tuesday, March 3rd! | | | | |
